MISSIONARY CENACLE FAMILY COUNCIL

Newsletter

April 2002

The city of Philadelphia and the newly renovated Spirituality Center of the MSBT's was the gathering place for the MCFC, April 19-21, 2002.

The Missionary Council Family Council began a discussion on how the Family is called to the 'new evangelization' to America. Time was spent in an examination of the issues in contemporary culture that each of the members witness or experience.

The issues most mentioned were the various 'isms' such as individualism, consumerism, sexism, and racism. Issues also mentioned were: the continued dichotomy between the rich and the poor, the aging populations in the USA who have money vs. the youth of the developing countries who have the energy but not the material resources. The growth of violence, war as a way of response to terrorism, the new immigrants, the abuse of authority and power within the Church and society and the issue of sexual abuse within the Church with the hostile projection onto the homosexual person in priesthood/religious life were also mentioned.

Mindful that "the Church cannot evangelize unless she herself is evangelized" (Pope Paul VI), the members then reflected upon the Missionary Cenacle Family as a microcosm of both Church and society. They articulated that the same or similar issue found within the culture of Church and society were the same within the Family as a whole.

Having reflected upon this discussion in light of the call of the Gospel, the Council moved to the question about the role of the Family to evangelize the present culture of both church and society. What is the meaning of preservation of the Faith today? If the Family is a gift to these two entities, then how is it called to evangelize in the 21 century? How is it called to develop new models, new ways of thinking? How is the Family called to make a difference? What is the call to peace and justice? How is this accomplished together and separately as four branches and a lay volunteer program? What have we learned from our past? This will serve as the foundation for future meetings.

April 2002

The Family Council has been looking at the various ways we experience Cenacle Family together. Here are three examples for us to consider:

A Cenacle Family Faith Sharing group has been meeting in Philadelphia for ten years. The eight members represent the ST, MSBT and Lay members. The focus of the group is article 14 from the Rule of Life. "By reflection on the providence of every day life in the light of the Gospels we come to a devotional knowledge of the mysteries of faith and a deeper understanding of our own experiences." Our commitment involves a monthly gathering, where we alternate leading the reflection and prayer. We end with a reflection on our time together and a simple meal. We schedule a yearly weekend retreat to deepen our relationships.

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Spirit of Providence (Missionary Cenacle Family Cenacle)

Purpose: To gather together as members of the Missionary Cenacle Family to take counsel on the Providence of everyday life.

Format: Monthly meetings usually held in Silver Spring, MD.

Process: To utilize the gift of counsel with each other around the daily circumstances of our lives. There is reflection on Scripture and faith sharing as preliminary steps to taking of counsel with each other. The council began in Silver Spring in1999 and is composed of members of the Family.

Contact: Brenda Hermann MSBT

In Puerto Rico, the MSBT=s, ST=s, MCA members and other laity inspired by the Trinitarian charism collaborate and interact in a variety of ways. The small size of the region fosters a sense of closeness and Cenacle family spirit. Each branch has its own regional meeting and counts on the support of the other branches. The regional custodians of each branch meet together periodically. The MCA find support and spiritual guidance from the ST=s and MSBT=s. There are two or three annual retreats where the other branches are invited to participate. In November, the anniversary of Fr. Judge/Mother Boniface/Dr. Healy is a Missionary Cenacle Family activity.